GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

If your vehicle has the Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) system, it helps you park easier and avoid other vehicles while in REVERSE (R). It operates at speeds less than 3 mph (5 km/h). It can determine how close objects are to the rear bumper, up to 5 feet (1.5 m) behind your vehicle. The distance sensors are located on the rear bumper.

Caution: The Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) system does not replace driver vision. It cannot detect:

   • objects that are below the bumper, underneath the vehicle, or if they are too close or far from the vehicle
   • children, pedestrians, bicyclists, or pets.
If you do not use proper care before and while backing; vehicle damage, injury, or death could occur. Even with URPA, always check behind the vehicle before backing up. While backing, be sure to look for objects and check the vehicle's mirrors.


Object Number: 805622  Size: A2

The display is located near the rear window and can be seen by looking over your right shoulder.

URPA uses three color-coded lights to provide distance and system information.

How the System Works

URPA comes on automatically when the shift lever is moved into REVERSE (R). The rear display will then briefly illuminate to let you know the system is working.

URPA operates only at speeds less than 3 mph (5 km/h). If you are above this speed, the red light on the rear display will flash.

To be detected, objects must be at least 10 inches (25.4 cm) off the ground and below liftgate level. Objects must also be within 5 feet (1.5 m) from your rear bumper. This distance may be less during warmer or humid weather.

A single beep will sound the first time an object is detected between 20 inches (0.5 m) and 5 feet (1.5 m) away. Repeated beeping will occur when you are closer than 20 inches (0.5 m) from the object.

The following describes what will occur with the URPA display as you get closer to a detected object:

Description

English

Metric

amber light

5 ft

1.5 m

amber/amber lights

40 in

1.0 m

amber/amber/red lights/continuous beep

20 in

0.5 m

amber/amber/red lights flashing and continuous beep

1 ft

0.3 m


Object Number: 1522976  Size: A2

URPA can be turned off by pressing the rear park aid disable switch located in the overhead console switchbank.

While the system is disabled, an indicator light will be lit on the switch. You will not see any lights on the rear display if the switch is in the off position.

When the System Does Not Seem to Work Properly

    • The driver disabled the system.
    • The ultrasonic sensors are not clean, a red URPA display light may illuminate when the vehicle is in REVERSE (R). Keep your rear bumper free of mud, dirt, snow, ice and slush. For cleaning instructions, see Washing Your Vehicle .
    • A trailer was attached to your vehicle, or a bicycle or an object was hanging out of your liftgate during your last drive cycle, the red light may illuminate. Once the attached object is removed, URPA will return to normal operation.
    • A tow bar is attached to your vehicle.
    • The vehicle's bumper is damaged. Take the vehicle to your dealer/retailer to repair the system.
    • Other conditions may affect system performance, such as vibrations from a jackhammer or the compression of air brakes on a very large truck.

If the system is still disabled, after driving forward at least 15 mph (25 km/h), take your vehicle to your dealer/retailer.